Faculty

Faculty

Donna Blanchard, Owner/Director
Donna began training at the age of 5 and decided then that dance would be her future. She studied ballet (RAD), tap and jazz in London, England and Toronto, Canada and was pursuing a dance degree in Long Beach, California when she began teaching at The Dance Co. In 1983 she became co-owner of The Dance Co. and has been teaching and directing ever since. She has developed an outstanding program that trains the very young dancer in technique, musicality and artistry in a safe and encouraging environment. As they grow, students build on their love of dance and study with award winning choreographers in a variety of challenging and inspiring classes. Dance recitals, workshops, competitions, and community performances are part of The Dance Co. yearly events giving everyone a chance to perform. With 25 years experience in the community, she is proud to have brought dance into the lives of so many.

Deke Lightholder, Owner
Bio Coming Soon

Julene McBride
Julene has been part of the The Dance Co. family since the age of four and is trained in jazz, tap and ballet. She received various dance awards in high school and while in college she was granted the “Dawn Wesley Memorial” scholarship. She has studied many other forms of dance including, Modern, Afro Haitian, Flamenco and the art of choreography. In the 1990’s Julene took her dancing in a new direction when she discovered her love of Hip-Hop. She began performing, teaching, and choreographing hip-hop throughout Southern California for various high schools, dance studios and companies. She received the “Free To Be Me” award from the California State Senate for her work and dedication to the children of Los Angeles County. Most recently she joined the staff of the non-profit program “Classroom Connections” where she teaches hip-hop history and culture at elementary and middle schools. Julene has also established a professional dance career dancing for musicians, DJ’s, and companies such as Bally Fitness, K-Swiss, and Nike. Julene has over ten years of teaching experience and creates an open and comfortable atmosphere for her students. Her goal is to not only teach dance techniques but to also enlighten her students about the many elements of dance culture and the different opportunities that dancing and performing can bring.

Barbee Betts
Ms. Barbee has been with The Dance Co. since 1986. Her first teachers were Ms. Donna, Ms. Morgan and Ms. Melissa whom she has the pleasure of being colleagues with today. Growing up at the studio not only did she learn dance technique but she also learned to love dance. After finishing her tenure at the studio she returned to share her passion of teaching children to dance. Today she enjoys spreading that love and passion through her students. Specializing in the youngest of our dancers, she focuses on Combo Classes, Youth Jazz and is the instructor for our Mini Performing Group. Ms. Barbee and her husband Harold have two children, Chris and Mandy. Mandy is a member of our Children's Performing Group.

Sonya Smith
Bio Coming Soon

Heather Ostrander

Heather began her Dance Career at The Joyce Torvund Dance Studio in Duluth, Minnesota at the age of eight taking classes in jazz, tap, and ballet. In mid 1997, she moved to Lakewood California, and immediately enrolled in The Dance Co. continuing her classes in jazz, tap, and ballet. As her abilities improved, she added classes in pointe, lyrical, and hip-hop. At the age of thirteen and again when she was fourteen, Heather performed in two Christmas Season performances of the Nutcracker. After about a year with The Dance Co., Heather joined her first performing group, and started competing. During this time, she also was a member of the Lakewood High School Dance Team, and performed at Disneyland dancing as various characters in the Disneyland Parade of The Stars. Heather has taken various classes at The Edge in Los Angeles, and was the first selectee of The Dance Co.'s Dancer of the Year. Heather was an assistant for various classes at The Dance Co., and was given her first class teaching jazz in 2006. She currently teaches classes in jazz , lyrical, turns and leaps, and tap, has a lyrical performing group and still actively participates in dance classes. Her love of Dance and teaching Dance is evident in the abilities of her students.

Amy Kokis
Ms. Amy started dancing at the age of 5 when her Mom needed some place to take her as an outlet for her energy…and she hasn’t stopped yet! It came to her quite naturally and quickly found a place in her heart. She studied locally at Marrillyn McDowell’s Studio of Dance, focusing on technique in ballet, tap and jazz. At 14 she became a teaching assistant and at 16 started teaching classes of her own. She taught ballet, tap, and jazz classes for levels ranging from baby combo classes to adult. Professionally, she performed extensively for The Walt Disney Co. where she was cast in several parades, shows, and special events. Her dancing career also led her abroad to living and performing in Japan and Taiwan. She also spent several years doing ‘background’ and ‘stand in’ work in television and film.

Patricia Quinones
Ms. Patricia has been dancing at the Dance Company since 2000, taking various classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop. Her dedication to the studio finally led her to a position as a permanent substitute and finally into a full teaching position, specializing in young children. Patricia presently teaches children’s hip hop, children's jazz and pre-combo. Her enthusiasm and passion for dance are positively addicting, and this love of dance is radiated to her students.

Leslie Glowacki

Leslie started dancing at the age of four and has been teaching various forms of dance for 20 years. Additionally, she has over 15 years experience choreographing musicals in schools and community theaters throughout California. She graduated from Cal State San Bernardino where she received her B.A. in Education with an emphasis in Performing Arts in the Elementary Classroom. Leslie then went on and received her Masters Degree in Education/Cultural Diversity and taught at the elementary level for Los Angeles Unified, eventually becoming director of performing arts at Breed Elementary in L.A. She is the previous owner and director of Bella G Dance Company in Mission Viejo. Leslie now devotes her time to her family at home and teaching at TDC. She has been happily married to her wonderful husband Rob for nine years and is the proud Mommy of Gracie and Katie, age five, who are TDC little dancers as well!

Verna Grace
BS Nutrition and Dietetics-CSULB
Dietetic Internship-Oakwood University
RD/Dietary Supervisor at Marlora Long Term Care Facility
Group Exercise Instructor at Frog's Club One in Long Beach
AFAA Certified in Group Exercise
Fitball Certified
Over 10 years of experience with Pilates, Fitball, Step Aerobics, and Body Conditioning.

Shani Rogers

Bio to follow

Office Staff:
Patricia Quinones
Maria Naray

Morgan Lightholder, Owner/Director

Born and raised in New York, Morgan hit the dance floor at the age of 2. Relocated to California at 16, an alumni of Long Beach Wilson High School, and Long Beach City College. A member of Actors Equity and Aftra, her stage credits include, West Side Story (Gratziella), Cabaret (Christina), Mame (Pegeen Ryan) Gigi, Hello Dolly. Touring credits, West Side Story & Cabaret. Morgan also had an opportunity with a production of Cabaret to entertain the servicemen on the USS Kitty Hawk. Choreography credits, Fiddler on the Roof & Anything Goes. Television credits, General Hospital, Mamas Family, The Master, Crazy Times. Morgan modeled for Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstroms, and the L.A. Mart, and was the costume character "Twinkie The Kid" for Hostess. Morgan joined the Dance co. in l986 and became co-owner/director/teacher in l998. Morgan heads the Adult division of the Dance Co., and is very proud of her Junior and Adult Tap Performing groups.

Melissa Kitano
Melissa began dancing locally at the age of 6. She studied jazz, tap and ballet, and always knew that teaching would be her passion. To make that dream a reality, Melissa studied and earned her degree in Dance at U.C. Irvine. While at Irvine, she had the opportunity to study ballet and modern with some amazing personalities, such as, Jillana, Edward Villella, Alexander Godounov and Loretta Livingston. While still training at UCI, Melissa met Donna Blanchard and her time at The Dance Co began. She has been training students at TDC for over 20 years. Melissa is also our resident lighting designer and stage manager, as well as the artistic director for the annual ballet performance.

Sonia Bryman

Miss Sonia began dancing at age 3 and trained in all styles of dance through college and has been teaching here at The Dance Co. since 1999. Sonia is an Alumnus of Wilson High School in Long Beach where she was a student director for the advanced dance department and captain of the Varsity Cheer Squad. Sonia's professional credits include: Disneyland Christmas Parade-dancer, American Dreams-background dancer, Carnival Choreographers Ball-Hollywood CA-Dancer, assistant teacher and choreographer to Columbus Short, Corey Burrell and Robert Schultz at the Edge Performing Arts Center, Brooks College Runway Extravaganza -Dancer, Yoga and You-fitness video participant, LA Music Awards-back-up dancer for Christian "artist of the year" Gregory Scott. Northern CA Master Teacher Tour - teacher/choreographer, Freedom Dance Foundation-dancer/choreographer. Sonia has taught and choreographed for all the LBUSD high schools and is an award winning choreographer for her work at The Dance Co. Sonia teaches the tiniest beginner dancer to your seasoned professional whose current teaching repertoire includes; Elite performing company, junior performing company, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballet and tap combo and dance conditioning and private lessons. Live, love, Dance!

Danielle Cook

A Huntington Beach native, Danielle has been dancing since the age of 4. She was a member of Edison H. S. Dance Team until her graduation in 2004. Danielle teaches at Pacific Dance Center, is a senior member of CCB, and was Edison’s HS Dance Team assistant Coach from 2009-2011. She has danced principal roles in several ballets, including The Nutcracker, the award winning Breathe Me and Per Sempre, she has danced both locally and in Barcelona, Spain. Danielle is an imaginative and boundless choreographer; her works have won numerous awards.

Hailey Ziegenhagen

Hailey began dancing at The Dance Company at the age of 8 as one of Ms. Barbee's "stray cats". Her teachers and role models began at the dance co with Barbee, Donna, Morgan, Deke, Julene, Melissa, Danielle, and Sonia. Hailey danced on Wilson High Schools advanced dance all four years where she began choreography, became student director her senior year and received a scholarship. Hailey is now hired there to choreograph pieces for the winter and spring shows. After high school Hailey auditioned for the dance department at the California State University of Long Beach where she is now earning her B.A. in dance.

Carrina Blanchard
Miss Carrina has been a member of the Dance Co family since birth. She began combo class with Ms Morgan at age 3. At age 8 she joined performing group. She studied all forms of dance and was on the Advanced Dance Team at Millikan High School. She graduated in 2009 and joined the Dance Co staff. She teaches hip hop and hopes to expand her teaching and follow her mother's footsteps in continuing to share the joy of dance with the dancers of tomorrow.

Taylor Hensley
Taylor joins our staff with a wealth of dance knowledge and background. She has extensive background in dance technique and performance. She was a member of the Dancin' Feet Performing Company in Dallas, TX where she competed in numerous regional and national competitions. During her tenure with the company she was awarded over 50 "Top 10" solo awards and was awarded over 20 titles at various National dance competitions including Junior, Teen and Senior Miss Starpower!!! She was selected as the leading role of Clara in the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet's production of the Nutcracker and has also received numerous scholarships to The Edge, Broadway Dance Center in NYC and the Los Angeles Performing Arts Center. Her choreography and teaching experience includes teaching ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop at Dancin' Feet Performing Company in Texas and Dellos Dance Academy in Chino Hills. We are proud to welcome Taylor to our staff!

Kalani McManus

Kalani is a native resident of Long Beach. He began his dance training as a freshman at Wilson High School in 2004. Throughout high school, he was a student of multiple local studios, including Marilyn McDowell School of Dance, The Dance Co., Center Stage and Elevations. As of 2008, Kalani has been a member of Method Contemporary Dance Company, based out of Los Angeles. He is known for his highly athletic modern technique and his ability to interpret music in to various styles of soul expression.

Chisa Seniuk

Bio on it's way!

Sabine James

Sabine's love for teaching reaches back to 1989, when she taught aerobics in Germany in the first gym of her small hometown. While studying kinesiology and sports medicine at the J.W. Goethe University, she started teaching dance and muscle conditioning in Frankfurt to supplement her income. When Pilates classes were offered at the University for the first time by Susan McLain, a former member of the Martha Graham Dance Co, Sabine was there. She was addicted at the first class, and it has been her passion ever since. While studying, Sabine was introduced to the ball workout in 1998, and, recognizing the huge benefit, she started team teaching ball- and Pilates classes in various gyms in the area. She got her Pilates certification in 2001 from Long Beach Dance Conditioning and has been teaching mat- and equipment classes ever since. Sabine truly believes that the combination of both classes kept her in shape, not only through her two pregnancies, but more importantly now, when her busy schedule with two young children leaves her with no more than 3 hours per week to work out. Workout efficiency is essential, and Sabine is thrilled that she gets to share her passion on a daily basis.

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